Test and Refine Some More

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Many times in this chapter, the importance of testing and refining the plan has been emphasized. The two ways to do this are both valid:

• Validate the DRP and its inherent processes.

• Simulate an actual disaster to see how the plan performs.

Such tests should be run at least once a year to verify your readiness. For each test, keep notes of slows or failures and refine the DRP so each drill is better than the last. One always hopes that it will never be necessary to call on the DRP, but it is best to be prepared to do so. And, more importantly, CP processes that make IT extremely efficient at eliminating the slows and smaller data losses that plague every organization will be in place.

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